Sexual empowerment can change and even save lives. I could talk and write endlessly about this topic. Arguably, I suppose I do! A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of discussing the power of sexual-self embracement with someone who lives, breathes and broadly encourages it for Girl Boner Radio.
Five years ago, Geneviève LeJeune felt like “a meek and mild person, who couldn’t find their own voice.” She was perpetually put down and not taken seriously by her male colleagues in the financial industry.
Stepping into and really owning her sexuality helped Geneviève find that voice. She’s been encouraging women around the globe to explore and celebrate their sexuality ever since. In 2014, she founded Skirt Club, a place for smart, professional and bi-curious women to celebrate their Girl Boners in a private and safe environment.
When I asked Geneviève why it’s important to her to talk about bisexuality specifically, she said:
“It’s such a release to be able to say it out loud… Talking about your own sexuality is a huge hurdle to overcome, especially when it’s taboo—so it was a big break for me. And the first 35 times I said it out loud were all really scary. Now I have the immense satisfaction of sharing it. I know that every time I share something about myself, it emboldens another woman to do the same.”
In a word, Geneviève said, embracing her sexuality gave her confidence. That confidence helped her feel unstoppable and able to move forward, speak up and glean respect. “I literally unleashed myself, and I’m so happy to have done it,” she added. “I could not have continued living that way.”
Inspired by our chat, I polled people on the Girl Boner Facebook page about their own experiences embracing their sexuality—and, more specifically, how doing so enhanced other areas of their lives. Here are two responses:
“I was held back in every life area basically. For me, coming out as gay and non-binary and accepting all of that about myself helped me meet the love of my life. My relationships used to be so toxic and I didn’t even know why.” — Sam
“I never actually thought about this but I think it helped me finish college. I had dropped out and had literally no sense of purpose in my life. I was also a virgin and saving myself for marriage, which sounds super old-fashioned, I realize. But oh well, it’s true. Therapy helped me see how much shame I had sexually and the world sort of opened back up.” — Maxine
For much more on this subject as well as bisexuality, sexual identity, sexual fluidity, open relationships and more, stream the full episode on iTunes, Spotify, iHeartRadio or below! It also features wonderful thoughts from Dr. Megan Fleming for a listener whose friends have gone a very experimental and, she fears, risky route in terms of sex and lifestyle, and isn’t sure how to support them.
To learn lots more about sexual empowerment, including how embracing my sexuality helped save my own and others’ lives, preorder my forthcoming book, Girl Boner: The Good Girl’s Guide to Sexual Empowerment, on Amazon!
I don’t think this topic can ever be talked about too much, at any age. Sexual empowerment has many lenses is what I’m discovering, and to keep myself looking through them is life changing. I wouldn’t have it any other way. Honestly, it is GB that is among the many lenses that have opened my eyes to aging, and I am ever grateful. Looking forward to this episode, as always. Truly, thank you for your work.
I love what you said about the different lenses — so true! Thanks so much for those kind words. That GB provides a lens for you means a great deal!